Witt Pest Management

08/31/2026

118 years and we’re just getting started!
Since 1908, Witt Pest Management has been keeping Pittsburgh pest-free. Being around for over a century means we have deep roots, but it definitely doesn't mean we’re stuck in the past.
We’ve never stopped evolving. From updating our brand look and modernizing our website, to continually upgrading to the latest eco-friendly treatments and cutting-edge technology, our team is constantly pushing to be sharper, faster, and more efficient.
We combine over a hundred years of trusted experience with today’s smart, modern solutions so you get the best of both worlds.
Thanks for growing with us, Pittsburgh. Stay tuned for exciting things to come. The year's not over yet!

08/29/2026

Plot Twist!!!
We've got one more for you!
That's right we didn't want you to forget so we've compiled all of our tips from identifying carpenter Bees, preventing and solving them all into one huge checklist.
Make sure you don't miss your marks. check out this list and this weeks posts on carpenter bees.
Wood'nt you know it I'm out of jokes,
Have a great weekend folks!

08/28/2026

Last day of the week, We’re sad to see it go but Stinging Insect month is coming to a close.
You know your favorite friends at Witt wouldn't leave you without bringing some solutions for you.

Part 3: How to Treat a Carpenter Bee Problem

Vacuum out active gallery tunnels: Use a shop vac fitted with a narrow attachment over the entrance hole to physically suck out active bees without using harsh sprays.

Insert flexible wire to clear tunnels: Manually probe deep into the entrance hole with a long piece of heavy-gauge wire to disrupt the nest and remove larvae directly.

Seal holes after treatments: Wait a few days to make sure all active bees are dead, then plug the holes to stop moisture damage and secondary pests.

Call a professional pest expert: If the infestation is widespread, high up on your roofline, or getting out of hand, let a trained professional safely handle it!

As always take caution when dealing with stinging insects! When in doubt you can reach us via Email, DM, Phone Call or Text message and we will be more than happy to help you.

08/26/2026

Last time we talked to you lovely people about identifying Carpenter bees.
Today It’s all about prevention!

Part 2: 5 Ways to Prevent Carpenter Bees Around Your Home

Paint or varnish bare wood: Bees prefer soft, untreated lumber. Painting, staining, or sealing exposed wooden surfaces makes them far less appealing.

Fill old entry holes: Use wooden dowels, stainless steel mesh, or caulk to plug up previous nesting sites so returning bees can't reuse them.

Switch to hard or synthetic woods: If you are rebuilding decks or siding, choose hardwoods, composite lumber, or vinyl, which bees cannot bore into.

Use natural essential oil deterrents: Spraying cedarwood, citrus, or almond oils near vulnerable wood surfaces helps keep bees away naturally.

Set up a carpenter bee trap: Hang wooden bee traps nearby to catch active bees before they start burrowing into your deck or soffits.

08/24/2026

It’s the last week of August folks and after this week I promise you we will stop talking about stinging insects (for a little bit ).
This week we’re bringing back an old favorite.
Bust out the Hard hats and saws
It’s Carpenter Bees!

Part 1: How to Identify Carpenter Bees

Bare, shiny black abdomens: Unlike fluffy bumblebees, carpenter bees have smooth, hairless tails that glisten in the sun.

Solitary behaviors: You’ll often see individual bees hovering near wooden structures rather than flying around in large swarm clouds.

Clean, half-inch entry holes: Look for perfectly round, smooth holes in unpainted or weathered wood, they look like they were drilled with a power tool!

08/24/2026

This may be the most important vote of the year!
Voting is Today, Wednesday and Friday of this week.
let us know who you picked?

https://sites.google.com/view/fatmarmotweek/home

About Fat Marmot Week The largest of the true hibernators, marmots bulk up all summer to survive the winter. Fat Marmot Week is an opportunity to get folks excited about yellow-bellied marmots, one of our favorite alpine residents, and to share the science behind their weight gain. The Marmot

08/24/2026

A little Cute news from across the country.
Would you subscribe?

Faced with the loss of federal funding, UCLA scientists turned to an unexpected online platform to buoy their landmark long-term marmot study.

08/21/2026

To round the week we’ve got some solutions for these anything but stationary wasps.
As always use caution when dealing with stinging insects and if you ever have any concerns or questions call your friends at Witt, We have solutions.

1. Confirm the Nest Type and Location Before taking action, ensure you are dealing with paper wasps (open umbrella-shaped comb) and not hornets or yellowjackets (which build fully enclosed or underground nests requiring specialized care). Locate all nests around your eaves, porch, deck, or shed so you can address them at once.

2. Call your Local Pros stinging insects can be difficult to handle on your own. When in doubt, reach out to your local experts ( Like your good friends at Witt) to handle these types of situations. They will be fully equipped to handle whatever trouble those paper wasps bring to your home.

3. Wait 24 Hours Before Physical Removal Do not knock the nest down immediately. Leave it in place for a full day so returning foragers come into contact with the residual chemical. Once all activity has stopped, knock the nest down using a long pole or broom and dispose of it in a sealed trash bag.

4. Clean the Area to Prevent Rebuilding Paper wasps leave behind chemical pheromone markers that attract future queens to the exact same spot. Scrub the site with warm, soapy water or a diluted bleach solution, then spray a natural repellent like peppermint oil to discourage new nests from forming.

5.Hang Fake Decoy Nests: Paper wasps are highly territorial and generally will not build a nest within 20 feet of another established colony. Hanging inexpensive decoy nests (or crumpled brown paper bags) under your porch overhangs in early spring can deter queens from settling nearby.

08/19/2026

One part down that means today is all about preventing paper wasps and what you can do to keep your area wasp free.
(between you and me you may have heard some of these tips from a very friendly source before)

1. Seal Entry Points and Overhangs Paper wasps seek out sheltered nooks to build their nests. Inspect your home's exterior early in the spring and seal gaps around soffits, eaves, porch ceilings, window frames, and unsealed siding using silicone caulk or fine wire mesh. Don't forget to cap the tops of open metal fence posts, as these are prime nesting real estate.

2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources While adult paper wasps feed on nectar, they are drawn to open trash cans, fallen outdoor fruit, and pet food left outside. Keep outdoor trash bins tightly closed and clean up food spills promptly. Additionally, fix leaky garden hoses or outdoor spigots, as standing water attracts queens looking to start new colonies.

3. Catch and Remove Early Spring Nests In early spring, solitary queens emerge to build tiny, walnut-sized starter nests. Perform weekly inspections under deck railings, porch roofs, and shed overhangs. Knocking down these tiny, incomplete nests early with a long broom handle (or spraying them when no wasps are present) prevents a full colony from taking hold later in the summer.

08/17/2026

Humans aren’t the only ones who like Stationary!
Get out your pens and take notes because this week we are talking about
PAPER WASPS
Paper wasps may not be the most aggressive enemy in the garden but that does not mean they should be underestimated. First let’s talk about identifying them.

1. "Umbrella" Nests
Paper wasps get their name from their papier-mâché-style nests, built by mixing saliva with chewed wood fibers. Unlike yellowjackets or hornets that build covered structures, a paper wasp nest is a single open-faced comb resembling an upside-down umbrella, with visible hexagonal cells where young are raised.

2. Distinct Flight Stance
Look at their legs in mid-air. When paper wasps fly, their long rear legs dangle loosely below their bodies in a distinct, lazy fashion. Yellowjackets and bees tuck their legs up close while flying.

3. Body Shape & Coloration
Paper wasps have slender, elongated bodies (roughly 3/4 to 1 inch long) with a distinct, pinched "wasp waist". Coloration varies by species, but they are typically reddish-brown, dark brown, or black with yellow or orange highlights and stripes.

4. Preferred Nesting Spots
They thrive near human structures, seeking out sheltered, elevated overhangs. You’ll typically spot their open nests beneath roof eaves, porch ceilings, window frames, door jams, or inside hollow fence posts and sheds.

5. Defensive Behavior (Not Naturally Aggressive)
Unlike yellowjackets, paper wasps are generally docile and beneficial garden allies—they hunt caterpillars and other pests to feed their larvae. However, if you approach or disturb their nest, they will defend it fiercely and can sting repeatedly.